I believe that when women are empowered, they hold the power to change the world. As Amartya Sen once said, “empowering women is key to building a future we want.” So, in celebration of International Women’s Day which was on March 8th, I have compiled 20 different women’s answers, from ages 18-75, to the question: “as a woman, when do you feel the most empowered?”
“When I accomplish the goals that I set for myself.” – Lindsay, 22
“When I’m able to make someone laugh while I’m in a low place.” – Avery, 21
“When my presence in a room does not revolve around the fact I am a woman, but rather, around what I can bring to the table as a human.” – Vanessa, 20
“When I have the means to provide for myself financially. Also, when I choose to do activities independently.” – Samantha, 22
“When I take care of myself physically and mentally.” – Libby, 21
“When I have the mindset of knowing I am capable of all things. Knowing there is a plan out there for me and I have the power to take on whatever mission is set in my way. I feel most empowered when I am confident in my goals and the aspirations I set for myself.” – Beth, 22
“When I am with other confident women.” – Vanessa, 22
“When I am confident in my opinions and stand up for myself. This is especially the case when I participate in model United Nations conferences and have to hold the attention of the room.” – Peyton, 18
“When I am working at my placement helping the kids at the school learn new things.” – Emily, 21
“When I am in a group setting and able to take charge and be a leader.” – Lise, 75
“When I envision a goal that I want to accomplish and I am able to reach it. There is nothing better than turning something that once started as a fantasy into a reality.” – Grace, 19
“When I have just finished working out.” – Anna, 21
“When I’m at work assisting disabled people with their physical activity.” – Eliza, 22
“When I motivate someone to do something they believed they couldn’t do.”- Jacquie, 49
“When I am in a position to empower other women and able to hold my place in a room where I am overpowered by men. It encourages me to keep pushing forward and accomplish great things.” – Lauren, 19
“When I have the time and the ability to help others in need.” – Charlotte, 54
“When I’m able to be myself, speak up for what I believe in, and make a difference in peoples’ lives.” – Alycia, 21
“When I feel like my appearance is not viewed as my sole attribute and I am treated like an actual person as opposed to a potential object of desire.” – Emma, 21
“When I am in a classroom and know what I am talking about and can keep up. I feel especially empowered when debating in class.” – Kelsey, 20
“When I state a strong opinion, and then stick up for what I believe in.” – Jamie, 21
The responses I got to the question are all important and valid. The variety of answers shows just how unique the process of empowerment is for different people. My personal answer is that I feel most empowered as a woman when I am surrounded by the other amazing, strong women in my life – #GIRLPOWER!!! As women, we succeed the most when we support and inspire one another. I hope that this past International Women’s Day you were able to feel empowered by acknowledging (and doing) whatever it may be that most makes you feel that way.